Mount Jackson, Virginia provides convenient access to numerous camping options in the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding mountains. Creekside Campground in nearby Edinburg offers full-hookup sites along a peaceful creek, while larger resorts like Luray RV Resort on Shenandoah River provide waterfront accommodations. The region includes established campgrounds within Shenandoah National Park such as Big Meadows and Mathews Arm, which accommodate both tent and RV camping. Several private campgrounds feature cabin rentals and glamping options alongside traditional camping sites, making the area suitable for various camping preferences and experience levels.
Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the region, with many Shenandoah National Park facilities operating from early May through late October or early November. During peak autumn foliage season, reservations become essential as campgrounds fill quickly with visitors enjoying the colorful mountain landscapes. Access to some areas may require navigation along Skyline Drive, which occasionally closes during winter weather conditions. Most developed campgrounds provide basic amenities including drinking water and restrooms, though shower facilities vary by location. "The campground was nicer than anticipated. We had a large grass space with water and power on the edge of a beautiful creek and enjoyed the sounds of it both nights," noted one visitor to Creekside Campground.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews throughout the area, with creek and riverside sites particularly popular. Campers highlight the soothing sounds of flowing water as a key feature at several campgrounds. Beyond water features, proximity to hiking trails and scenic overlooks makes the Mount Jackson area attractive to outdoor enthusiasts. The area's campgrounds strike a balance between natural settings and convenience, with many located within a short drive of small towns offering basic services. Visitors should note that site spacing varies considerably between campgrounds - some offer spacious, private sites while others feature more compact layouts. Public lands near Shenandoah National Park provide additional options for those seeking a more rustic camping experience, though these typically offer fewer amenities than established campgrounds.
$30 - $75 / night
"While the campground is very nice, with clean conveniently located bathrooms, the site itself is probably not suited for a large group of people."
"Our site had the AT running right behind it. The was plenty of access to trails, and pretty central to the park. The campground is near showers, laundry, campstore, and visitor center."
$45 - $249 / night
"July 10-19, 2020 As my wife and I were discussing my review, I asked her what could we point to to take away from a 5-star rating. Neither of us could think of a single thing."
"We stayed close to the catch & release pond and felt as though we had a lot of privacy despite the spots being right next to each other."
"Convenient to the highway and easy to get to. Sites are well spaced. Hookups were well positioned. Walking trail starts at the campground. WiFi worked pretty well. Overall a great KOA."
"Positive: Friendly staff, close to Shenandoah NP, quiet camping, every site has a fire pit. Negative: Pricing rather high"
$27 - $427 / night
"Virginia has the best state park campgrounds. Water and electric. Large sites. The bathrooms are clean with separate shower rooms. Nice hiking in the park. Near SNP. Responsive and friendly rangers."
"In my opinion it has the best location of the 3 Turks they have. It’s it the woods close to a boat landing you can see a bit of the river. In the fall or spring I’m sure the view is amazing."
$26 - $47 / night
"We spent 2 nights at Creekside Campground in Edinburg, VA on our way to West Virginia—- and found a real gem. We paid$50/night for Back-in Creekview FHU Site#20."
"We had a large grass space with water and power on the edge of a beautiful creek and enjoyed the sounds of it both nights."
$30 - $75 / night
"This is a nice and very large campground tucked away in the northern part of Shenandoah. The facilities and grounds were well kept and it’s a short car’s travel (but there’s also a trail!)"
"There are a few trails encompassing and leading out from the campground, and it's nice to have a central location from which you can out on small hikes."
$20 / night
"This campsite is by far one of my favorite free campsites that Virginia has to offer. what makes Wolf Gap so speacial is the the 4 mile hike that leads to a rocky overlook of the valley."
"We made a spur of the moment one night trip up here from Virginia, and I do glad we stumbled upon it! There are only 8 or 9 camp spots, each with a leveled area for a tent and a designated fire pit."
$31 - $230 / night
"Adjacent to a working farm where cows, sheep, llamas, chickens and roosters can graze next to the campsites. The grounds were beautifully manicured and incredibly clean."
"We stayed at this KOA on our way to Virginia Beach but wanted to a day in Shenandoah National Park. "
"Close to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive."
"They had plenty of appearances of Yogi or Cindy bear at activities and just driving around the park on a golf cart."
$45 - $470 / night
"Great proximity to Shenandoah National Park while still being close enough to a Walmart and fuel. Easy to access sites, great for larger rigs!"
"Location is fairly convenient to Shenandoah but it still takes a while to get to some of the more popular hikes once inside the park."
TravelerVery nice spot, good tent setup pads and fire rings at all the sites, my one complaint is that it is right next to the road that while not frequently used, the occasional car can often take away from the remote experience. There are some sites a little further in but the diff is minimal. Overall very great, well maintained spot
ScoutThis was a great place to camp. Lovely. The price was affordable. We stayed in the cabin. Electricity. Air conditioning. Running water. The property owner manager is very accommodating and pleasant to talk with.
Highly recommended.
~Robert
art505.com
ScoutThis KOA was quiet and perfect for a short stay. We enjoyed our time here. The staff was friendly.
GuideI chose Big Meadows to stay at because my traveling companion is definitely a bit bougie and was anxious about camping in the mountains of a NP. Due to this site having showers, toilets, a laundromat, camp store(s) and even a lodge/taproom, they felt more comfortable. We stayed at site D142, right near the entrance by the registration office and showers. I didn’t expect the site to be so nice and quiet and still feel quite private despite the location! We checked out the loops and besides the tent sites, I actually preferred our site. We stayed the week before Memorial Day weekend and I was pleased with how quiet it was. Quiet hours were strictly adhered without rangers having to ask, other campers were respectful toward each other and we had no issues. The NP staff were awesome and the concession employees for the showers, camp store, and the Wayside grill were genuinely friendly and obviously cared about their jobs, which I sincerely appreciate. Wayside grill with attached camp store was fun and had some great gift items as well as some pretty solid quality hiking and camping items. The grill even had a beyond burger which I greatly appreciated! The lodge was funky but not my cup of tea, the taproom was ok, although the employees were really nice.
It did rain half the time we were there with extremely heavy fog so we only did a few hikes but they were still a lot of fun. We didn’t see any bear either! The number one animal we had invade our campsite on the regular were birds. Two catbirds regularly tried to involve themselves in everything, including landing on a pot of oatmeal I was actively cooking and standing next to! We followed leave no trace of course but any chance the birds got, from catbirds, robins, brown thrashers, towhee, and even a redstart, they would try to investigate.
There is clean drinking water listed on the campsite maps, there are utility sinks for grey water (don’t use the bathroom sink!), bathrooms were always clean and bathrooms and showers are open 24/7 and are well lit. I didn’t buy the firewood so I’m unsure how much it is but the little camp store was open from 9-6 (right by the bathroom) for firewood, ice, and other various supplies.
Only downsides to the site are 1) showers are not cheap ($5 for 10 mins) and don’t stay warm for long so you’re showering in chilly water. Some stalls last a bit longer than others. 2) The biggest issue though was surprisingly the bear boxes. They are quite large and fit a lot of stuff which is great. However, you are expected to keep your cooler in them. I have a bear proof cooler (IGBC) so I’ve never had to experience this situation before. The bear box being made of metal, heated everything up in it which caused rapid melting of ice. Despite pre-chilling it and my ice usually lasting for days and days, we had to refill it daily. The camp store thankfully sold ice (10 lb bags for $5) but it was frustrating that there was no other option for bear proof items. I didn’t fight the rangers regarding it because it’s their rules, it’s for the safety of the bears and people, and the rangers and park staff have enough stuff to deal with.
All in all, I’ve never really glamped before so it was quite a luxurious trip even with the rain and fog for half the trip. I’ll most definitely be back and would even stay at the same site or a tent only site with no driveway.
GuideMy wife and I stayed here one night, while driving south to north, Skyline Dr. the drive has been awesome and this campground is the perfect resting spot for us, for the night. Had a couple drinks at the lodge while watching a spectacular sunset. I’d definitely come back.
ScoutClean facilities, each site has plenty of space. Never had an issue with noisy neighbors. Excellent access to the river. 10/10
ScoutI will start with the negatives. They do not enforce quiet hours. At all. We had multiple nights with a large group neighboring campers partying well past midnight. Yelling, slamming car doors, absolutely no regard for fellow campers. I would not recommend staying along the road sites unless you are equipped to deal with noisy neighbors in close proximity.
And the good... The sites in the more wooded areas on the edge of the campground are beautiful. You are less likely to deal with groups of campers there to party. Bathrooms were clean and well maintained, with pay showers available. Firewood, though expensive, was plentiful. Being close to hiking, the lodge, camp store, and visitor center are excellent perks for the price of each site.
I really wish the staff was there to better enforce the quiet hours, as there were multiple campers that struggled to sleep/relax with the raucous crowd so close.
ScoutI have a great spot right by the river. It is away from all noise but the flow of water. Right on the river
ScoutThe river is nice for floating when water is high enough. Nice waterfall for pics. Sites are close together but still ok. They have planted trees between sites so in time it will get even better. Camping by the river is very peaceful.
Mount Jackson sits at the center of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, nestled at 994 feet above sea level between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. The surrounding George Washington National Forest offers primitive camping options within a 30-minute drive of Mount Jackson, creating a middle ground between established campgrounds and backcountry experiences. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at higher elevations, with summer averages in the mid-80s.
Hiking to mountain overlooks: Big Meadows Campground sits near several scenic trails with outstanding valley views. "We saw many deer and bear while camping. Just being in Shenandoah is a soothing experience. With so many hiking trails and waterfalls nearby we love to camp in Big Meadows - and for the star watching at night," shares Rachel M.
Cave exploration: A campsite near Mount Jackson, Virginia provides ideal access to underground wonders. Endless Caverns RV Resort combines camping with cavern tours. "The caverns are super awesome as well, especially considering they have not been fully explored. It is not as crowded as some of the other caverns in the area which in my opinion is a plus," notes Roxy V.
Disc golf and recreation: Some campgrounds offer on-site activities beyond hiking. "There are a pool, laundry, pickleball courts, volleyball courts, disk golf, horseshoes, picnic tables and fire rings, a kid's activity area, a rec center that includes an arcade, swings, and tables," reports Sara M. about Endless Caverns.
Mountain solitude: Wolf Gap offers primitive camping just 30 minutes from Mount Jackson with free sites. "What makes Wolf Gap so special is the 4 mile hike that leads to a rocky overlook of the valley. Plus if you looking for some peace of mind this campsite is isolated from the outside world," explains Casey C.
Wildlife viewing: Many camping locations near Mount Jackson provide excellent wildlife observation. "The fireflies are spectacular. At dusk, the ground shimmers, and then after they disperse, you will still see them flit by the tent throughout the night," notes Veronica S. from Big Meadows.
Stream access: Creekside Campground lives up to its name with waterside sites. "We had a large grass space with water and power on the edge of a beautiful creek and enjoyed the sounds of it both nights. There were a variety of birds who frequented the stream and were fun to watch," shares Pete K.
Site privacy varies significantly: Finding a quiet campsite near Mount Jackson requires research. "Though this campground is HUGE, the sites are not piled on top of each other. Our site, B112, was surrounded by shrubs under the canopy of trees which provided tons of privacy," explains Veronica S. about Big Meadows Campground.
Seasonal availability: Most national park campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "We camped here the last night of the season (Nov30)... It was an especially cold night hitting a low of 14F. Very happy for the nearby heated restrooms with hot running water," reports Carol B.
Off-peak advantages: Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park offers year-round camping with distinct seasonal experiences. "We stayed here on the night of December 11, 2020. No problem finding a spot, campground was about half full when we got there around 4pm. Water and electrical available at all the spots even though it was winter," John B. confirms.
Consider private campgrounds for amenities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park focuses on family entertainment. "Beautiful location, nice campground. Not a lot of woods but lots to do including jumping pillows, paddle boats, swimming. The cabins are spacious and nice though you have to bring your own linens," shares Regina C.
Look for campgrounds with river access: Kids enjoy water-based activities at several camping areas. "There are several rustic campsites located on the Southfork of the Shenandoah River... The primitive spots are a short walk from the parking area and the campground provides wagons to transport your stuff. Great fishing and swimming right at your camping spot," advises Matt P. about Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park.
Check for ranger programs: Educational activities enhance family camping trips. "Campground is meticulously clean with daily restroom cleaning and trash pick up. Very small campground store on site but a much larger store at visitor center. Nice amphitheater with interesting ranger programs," notes Kim L. from Big Meadows.
Site leveling challenges: Some mountaintop campgrounds present leveling difficulties. "The drive in requires about 25-miles through the roller coaster of steep grade(7+%) hills. There's no way around that, you're in the mountains. Just be aware and be prepared," cautions Matt S. about Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views.
Utility placement matters: Check hookup locations before booking. "The sites are large but many are lined up right next to each other. I recommend staying away from A72 to the end of A. They're lined up too closely for my taste, and there isn't much shade," advises Mary S. from Mathews Arm Campground.
Four-season camping options: Not all campgrounds near Mount Jackson operate year-round. "Virginia has the best state park campgrounds. Water and electric. Large sites. The bathrooms are clean with separate shower rooms," confirms Adam and Suzanne B. about Shenandoah River State Park, which remains open through winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mount Jackson, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mount Jackson, VA offers a wide range of camping options, with 153 campgrounds and RV parks near Mount Jackson, VA and 24 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mount Jackson, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mount Jackson, VA is Big Meadows Campground — Shenandoah National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 124 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mount Jackson, VA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 free dispersed camping spots near Mount Jackson, VA.
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